Abstract
In South Africa, smallholder farming is an important aspect of livelihood. More so, organic farming is increasingly becoming popular among farmers. However, many studies undertaken focused on the trade possibilities of the industry leaving the farmers’ perceptions underrepresented. This study, therefore, aims to capture the farmers’ opinions by evaluating the critical factors and policy implications of organic farming in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A total of 220 semi-structured questionnaires were administered to smallholder farmers in the province. The results revealed that organic farming is gaining recognition according to 82.8% of the participants, and 86.6% believed that organic farming has high-profit returns. However, 88.4% of the respondents agreed that the required standards for organic farming are too restrictive while a further 74.6% indicated that organic farming certification is difficult to obtain. The results also indicated a statistically significant difference in the perceived benefits of organic farming (p ≤ 0.001) and access to markets (p = 0.042). Based on the results, the study suggests more awareness, training and ease of certification as a way forward in changing the perceptions of the farmers in the province.
Highlights
A fundamental challenge facing human existence is meeting the food demands of the teeming population [1]
Agriculture 2021, 11, 1157 of this study is to explore whether smallholder farmers in the province are willing to convert their farms to organic production and the underlying factors which can positively or negatively influence their perception
The identified challenging factors need to be addressed to pave the way for a better-oriented organic sector
Summary
A fundamental challenge facing human existence is meeting the food demands of the teeming population [1]. According to the United Nations, the present world population of approximately 7.7 billion is predicted to surge to 9.7 billion by 2050 [2]. The feeding of such a population requires an increase in agricultural production, but there are many limitations in the use of natural resources, energy and farmlands [3]. Well documented is the role of modern farming practices in the intensification of agricultural production and reduction of resource constraints through a feasible programme such as the Green Revolution and the use of genetic engineering, irrigation systems, machinery, and chemical inputs [4]. The adverse effects of the introduction of chemical inputs in farming include surface and groundwater contamination, emission of greenhouse gases, reduced biodiversity and soil degradation [6]
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